From our friends at Magnificat: Born of Ruthenian parents in present-day Ukraine, Josaphat eschewed marriage and career to enter the monastery in 1604. After his election as Archbishop of Polotsk, he sought ways to bring his fellow Ruthenians who clung to the Orthodox Church into the Catholic communion. In 1620 a rival archbishop arose, challenging Josaphat. In 1623 the supporters of this rival killed Josaphat and threw his body into the river. Soon thereafter, the schismatic bishop and many of his adherents sought union with Rome. “The blood of Saint Josaphat even today, as it was three hundred years ago, is a very special pledge of peace, the seal of unity” (Pope Pius XI). For more about this saint, please click on the image. Peace be with you!